If you enjoyed the gripping sci-fi thriller 'Project Ithaca' (2019) and are looking for similar mind-bending movies or shows, you're in the right place. This article explores 10 titles that share its themes of mystery, alien encounters, and psychological tension, perfect for fans of cerebral sci-fi.

Primer (2004)
Description: A low-budget sci-fi film that delves into the complexities of time travel, featuring a dense, nonlinear narrative that rewards multiple viewings.
Fact: The film was made for just $7,000, and much of the dialogue was improvised by the actors.


Timecrimes (2007)
Description: A Spanish sci-fi thriller that explores the consequences of time travel through a tightly plotted, suspenseful narrative filled with twists and moral dilemmas.
Fact: The film was made on a very low budget, with much of the tension arising from its clever use of limited locations.


The Man from Earth (2007)
Description: A philosophical sci-fi film that explores the idea of immortality through a series of intellectual conversations, with a minimalist approach that emphasizes dialogue over action.
Fact: The entire film takes place in a single room, relying entirely on the strength of its script and performances.


Moon (2009)
Description: A thought-provoking sci-fi drama that explores isolation, identity, and the ethics of cloning, with a melancholic tone and a focus on psychological depth.
Fact: The film's director, Duncan Jones, is the son of musician David Bowie.


Another Earth (2011)
Description: A sci-fi drama that blends existential themes with a parallel Earth premise, focusing on redemption, guilt, and the search for meaning in a fractured reality.
Fact: The film's co-writer and star, Brit Marling, also co-wrote and starred in several other indie sci-fi films.


Predestination (2014)
Description: A time-travel thriller that delves into paradoxes, identity, and fate, with a tightly woven narrative that challenges the viewer's perception of reality.
Fact: The film is based on a short story by Robert A. Heinlein, titled 'All You Zombies'.


Coherence (2013)
Description: A mind-bending sci-fi film that delves into parallel realities and the psychological unraveling of its characters, using minimalistic settings to create an intense, claustrophobic atmosphere.
Fact: The actors were given only basic outlines of their characters and were encouraged to improvise much of their dialogue.


The Signal (2014)
Description: A sci-fi thriller that explores themes of isolation, psychological manipulation, and mysterious extraterrestrial encounters, with a strong emphasis on suspense and unexpected twists.
Fact: The film was shot in just 23 days, and many of the visual effects were achieved practically rather than through CGI.


The Endless (2017)
Description: A sci-fi horror film that explores time loops, cults, and existential dread, with a strong emphasis on atmospheric storytelling and psychological tension.
Fact: The directors also starred in the film, and it serves as a loose sequel to their earlier movie 'Resolution'.


The Vast of Night (2019)
Description: A retro-styled sci-fi mystery that focuses on eerie radio signals and unexplained phenomena, blending suspense with a slow-burn narrative that keeps viewers guessing.
Fact: The film was shot in just 20 days on a very modest budget, relying heavily on creative cinematography to build tension.
